Strategic Partnerships Senior Director

About The Kennedy Center

"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit." - President John F. Kennedy

The Kennedy Center is the nation's cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra.

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

Mission Statement: As America's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across the United States and around the world, connecting the greatest living artists with audiences of every stripe, no matter their background. We welcome all Americans and creators and visitors from across the globe to discover, experience, learn about, be inspired by, and engage with the arts.

Why Join Us

We offer a total rewards package to all full-time employees to include:

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA

Pay Details

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $150,000 - $165,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This is the targeted range of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future. Base pay within the range is ultimately determined by a candidate's skills, expertise, and experience as it relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities.

Job Description

The Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships will lead the development, integration and execution of comprehensive partnership, sponsorship and engagement strategies that expand the Kennedy Center's national presence, revenue opportunities, donor pipeline and community impact. This role will cultivate relationships with local, national, and global brands, cultural institutions, technology and media platforms, and community organizations to strengthen the KC's visibility and influence across Washington, DC and nationwide.

Working closely with the President, SVP, Marketing and collaborating across all departments, the Senior Director will create a unified strategy for growing and engaging partners-from small businesses and local organizations to major corporations such as streaming platforms, digital media companies, lifestyle brands, and other national sponsors.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Marketing and Development of National and Community Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive partnership strategy that spans community-based partnerships, national sponsorships, corporate alliances, and brand collaborations.
• Work with the SVP Marketing to expand diverse audiences, membership, and partner ecosystems across community, corporate, and national segments.
• Cultivate relationships with major national and global brands (e.g., Spotify, YouTube, media and technology companies, consumer lifestyle brands) to build sponsorships, co-marketing opportunities, and cross-platform awareness campaigns.
• Create high-level engagement opportunities - briefings, summits, salons, and events-positioning Kennedy Center leadership, especially the President, to strengthen and expand national networks that drive revenue.
• Identify and establish partnerships with small businesses for the Kennedy Center gift shop and highlight community relationships to attract donors and supporters.
• Identify and establish partnerships with larger businesses to create membership opportunities for staff.
• Develop evaluation and prioritization criteria for selecting marketing partners and sponsors.
• Establish local and supplier diversity initiatives to support vendor decisions for marketing agencies, media buying, products, and services. Track investments in diverse suppliers.
• Partner with retail to develop a strategy for incorporating partners and local cultural experiences into the patron experience.
• Partner with marketing, digital, and public relations teams to showcase and support storytelling around partnerships and community sponsorships.
• In conjunction with Director of Analytics, develop reporting and analytics and create best practices for sponsorship marketing.

Events & Donor Engagement

• Expand the Kennedy Center donor base, partner network, patrons, and visibility in Washington, DC, and nationwide; enhance visibility through high-profile activations, sponsorships and partner-driven initiatives.
• Engage current and prospective partners to develop co-marketing plans, awareness-driving initiatives, community engagement, and sponsorship of initiatives that attract new and diverse audiences.
• In collaboration with the Special Events and Development teams, oversee two-three (2-3) fundraising events, working with vendors, staff, and donors to secure new supporters and first-time donors.
• Develop a forward-looking vision for integrated fundraising and programming events fundraising + programming event innovation that aids in reaching donors and patrons reflective of our organizational values and our antiracism and inclusion intentions.

Partner Cultivation

• Prospect and develop a high-value pipeline of brand partners, local and national, for co-marketing, community outreach and engagement, and in-kind support.
• Research and create opportunities for inclusion of the Kennedy Center in local and national conferences and events with relevance to patrons and the community.
• Support the NSO and WNO programs with partnership development, marketing, and activations.
• Partner with universities and education to drive awareness and interest in Kennedy Center events, memberships, and performances among faculty and staff.
• Support Campus rentals with driving partnerships and community activities on the Kennedy Center campus.

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in an arts-related, marketing, business, or communications field.
• 7-10 years in strategic partnerships, sponsorship development, corporate relations, or marketing-experience in performing arts or cultural organizations preferred.
• Demonstrated excellence in stakeholder management and partner-facing communication.
• Strong understanding of the performing arts, nonprofit environments, and cultural sector.
• Prior experience managing fundraising and community outreach highly desired.
• Experience with corporate sponsorships, brand partnerships, national marketing alliances, and community engagement highly desired.
• Proven relationship-builder with the ability to cultivate partnerships across diverse sectors including technology, media, entertainment, lifestyle brands, and local organizations.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.